Something has been bothering me lately. More and more, I get asked the simple line "What's your name?". I answer either my generic online moniker or my character's name if I am playing a game. Then I get asked "No, I mean your real name." I do not know people over the Internet and I don't feel comfortable giving out my real name.
In response to this, people often become belligerent with me. They often give me their name, and again reiterate their desire to know my real name. I remind them that I never asked for their name and they handed theirs out freely; this does not mean that I am obligated to do the same. By this point disparaging remarks are thrown at me, ranging from expletives to insults.
Is it really that offensive to people to not be given a real name? Do they assume I think negatively of them? Is my reluctance to give out personal information really considered tacky enough as to give me attitude about it?
Does anyone else have this problem?
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1 comment:
I don't have the same problem because I don't play online or video games. I can see your point though.
If you're playing a game with people you are most likely never going to meet, or perhaps even digitally interact with, what's the point of sharing your real name?
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